CEO of the Coalition for a Prosperous America
President Biden is making a big push for his American Jobs Plan. As he explained in his recent address to Congress, a large-scale U.S. transition to renewable energy could create millions of good-paying jobs, particularly if “Made in America.” That would be a great help for America’s domestic manufacturers. But there’s a catch–a potential shortage of the raw materials needed to actually manufacture these advanced technologies.
A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) makes clear that the United States will need to drastically increase its supply of critical minerals in order to manufacture everything from wind turbines and solar panels to lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles (EVs). As the IEA explains, an insufficient supply of raw minerals could jeopardize the chances of actually manufacturing these technologies in the U.S.–or deploying them globally to effectively address climate concerns.
Director, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center
ESCANABA It has been more than 15 months since our nation began its fight against COVID-19. We’ve prevented infections, cared for the sick, saved lives and mourned those we’ve lost. We’ve provided so much more than medicine during this time as loved ones supported from a distance. The burdens and responsibilities of the pandemic have strained organizations, families, and each of us in very personal ways. Now, as more than 2.3 million veterans across the nation have been fully vaccinated trust and confidence in VA health care is at an all-time high.
Ron Skjong
If there’s anything this past year should have taught us, it’s that we shouldn’t take time for granted.
I was recently sitting in a neighborhood park and a class of preschool children arrived and began to play. Immediately, a smile found itself on my face as I watched the kids play tag, run, yell at each other and just let it all hang out. It was most enjoyable.
Additionally, I noticed the attending adults and how they related to the kids. It’s amazing to see such concern mixed with discipline the kids were being kids but they listened to the adults. Hugs were exchanged between the adults and the children while the entire experience played out in front of me. I couldn’t help but smile and feel appreciation.
Jerry Nelson
The days have warmed, the grass is green and the last vestiges of the glacial snowbank in our grove have finally disappeared. This can mean only one thing: it’s the sailing season.
Let me clarify that. What I mean is that it’s the rummage sailing season. I know this because this is the time of year when my wife will prepare to leave and I’ll ask, “Where are you going?” and she’ll reply with a casual air, “Oh, I don’t know. Sailing, I guess.”
Her casualness is somewhat of a ruse. I know that she has been secretly planning for a sailing expedition due to the large number of $1 and $5 bills that have suddenly appeared in her purse. And don’t ask why I was snooping through, I mean, examining, the contents of my wife’s purse. (If you need to know, it involved misjudging the spice level of a mega-large burrito and an urgent antacid emergency.)